Call For CCTV To Combat Darwin Gang Violence

Prior to the last Territory Election the CLP made a policy announcement that it would create a fund for councils to tap into so that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) could be installed as a security measure in public places identified as trouble spots. The attack last night on Ambulance Officers at the Casuarina Bus exchange demonstrates that the Government is losing control of our neighbourhoods.

"If that policy had been adopted by this Government then there would be CCTV systems in place which would have had a deterrent effect on the gangs that are now haunting the Northern Suburbs of Darwin,” Opposition Leader Jodeen Carney said today.

"The disorder in our community is getting much worse. There are more itinerants, gangs and uncontrolled kids on our streets than ever before.

"The Labor Government has proven itself to be utterly impotent against this growing problem. They recently passed an anti-gang law package of laws through the parliament and to what result? There was no more protection in place for the ambulance officers last night than there has ever been.

"The fact is that the much lauded anti-gang package was nothing more than dress ups by Government to say they were doing something. Where are the extra 200 Police they promised? Where are the CCTV systems that can help make a difference?

"This is exactly the same bus stop where Jamie Guliplil was attacked by a gang a few weeks ago. Nothing has been done to deal with this issue since. If CCTVs had been in place it is entirely possible that the offenders from the last time around would be in custody right now and there would be a record of their conduct.

"This Government has dropped the ball on law and order and by the time they actually get around to really doing something it may well be too late for somebody who will have been seriously injured or even killed by these little brats.”

2006-11-08